David J. Stout

Brian K. Branch was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is a partner at Davis Kelin LLC, where he represents individuals and families in complex civil litigation throughout New Mexico. His practice focuses on serious injury and wrongful death claims, including cases involving medical negligence, defective products, professional negligence, and insurance bad faith. Mr. Branch has served as lead or co-lead counsel in more than 40 jury trials and over 75 non-jury trials. His courtroom...

Deborah E. Mann is the head of the health law practice group at Sutin, Thayer & Browne APC and also serves as practice group lead for the firm’s commercial group. Based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, her practice focuses on Health Care Law and Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants. She counsels health care organizations and professionals on regulatory compliance, institutional and professional malpractice matters, and risk management issues. Ms. Mann advises clients on HIPAA compl...

William Gregory Kelly is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Environmental Law. William Gregory, who practices law in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William Gregory is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Sarah M. Armstrong is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Collaborative Law: Family Law and Family Law. Sarah M., who practices law in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Sarah M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Doug Vadnais has more than 30 years of transaction and litigation experience in diverse business matters, real estate, and the protection and exercise of creditors’ rights. He has represented the entire spectrum of clients from individuals to Fortune 500 companies, and brings to each a pragmatic, practical approach to problem solving, with the aim of effecting an efficient and advantageous resolution for the client. Clients include both buyers and sellers of commercial and residential r...

Susan Miller’s primary areas of interest are in water resources and environmental law, as well as insurance, tort and personal injury litigation. Susan currently serves as Chair of the Natural Resources, Energy and Environment Department and is the past Chair of Modrall Sperling’s Water Law Practice Group. She brings over 20 years of experience providing representation, advice and counsel to businesses, industries, ranchers, farmers and individuals throughout New Mexico with respe...

Justin Rodriguez is a nationally recognized litigation and trial lawyer who frequently handles high-stakes cases for clients such as Intel, BNSF Railway Company, and FedEx Ground. His practice ranges widely over the field of complex business and tort litigation, state Attorney General investigations, insurance litigation, and intellectual property. He has been counsel in cases involving patent infringement, securities fraud, commercial contracts, wrongful death, qui tam and antitrust. Justin ...

Meredith A. Johnstone is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Collaborative Law: Family Law and Family Law. Meredith A., who practices law in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Meredith A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Maria Montoya Chavez is an attorney with Sutin, Thayer & Browne APC in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She has been recognized by Best Lawyers since 2018 for her work in Collaborative Law: Family Law, Family Law, Family Law Arbitration, and Family Law Mediation. This recognition is based on peer review by attorneys practicing in the same geographic and practice areas. Maria Montoya Chavez has practiced law since 2000 and focuses exclusively on family law matters, including divorce, child custody...

Timothy R. Briggs is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Workers' Compensation Law - Employers. Timothy R., who practices law in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been recognized since 2003. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Timothy R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.